An important visitor from Washington DC made a brief stop over at Pago Pago International Airport this afternoon but it wasn’t Vice President Kamala Harris. The VIP guest was Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, the Vice President’s husband.
He is leading the US delegation to the opening ceremony of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.
Director of Homeland Security Samana Semo Ve’ave’a, who had said yesterday that Vice President Harris would be on the flight, said they were told last night that only the Second Gentleman will be on board.
Lt. Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale and Mrs. Mariane Ale greeted the Vice President’s husband at the airport departure lounge.
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Talauega said Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga made an emergency trip to Samoa and he was there to welcome Mr. Emhoff and present some gifts.
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The gifts included a handcrafted board depicting the tanoa, ulafala and whisk, an ulafala, a case of tuna, Moana taro chips and the Centennial Book. Mrs. Ale also gave an ula lopa for Vice President Harris.
The Second Gentleman said he was a tuna connoisseur and had just enjoyed a tuna sandwich.
He was thankful for the warm welcome and said he was delighted to receive the gifts.
He gave the Lt. Governor and Mrs. Ale Challenge Coins.
Among the delegation was Lorrie Fair, a former member of the US Women’s National Soccer Team.
The visitors were on the ground for just over an to refuel before continuing on to New Zealand.
